Before you get going: this has been written by an occasional DJ and noise-induced tinnitus sufferer. It’s designed to act as a friendly reminder about how to avoid the condition, using information found on the internet. Please see a doctor if you’re worried about your hearing.

What is tinnitus?

A condition that causes you to hear a continuous ringing, whooshing or high-pitched whining sound.

How can I get can tinnitus?

There is more than one cause of tinnitus. This feature is focussed on tinnitus caused by regular exposure to loud noise, like blasting bass through your headphones, or going out to loud music venues.

WHAT'S THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT?

There are tiny, hair-like sensory cells within the cochlea, part of your inner ear. When you’re in an environment where there is loud noise like a club or a gig the hair cells can become damaged. This causes the ringing in your ears to occur.

HOW CAN I PREVENT IT?

Music lovers are best off wearing earplugs at events and listening to their tunes at safe levels.

IS THERE A CURE?

Nope – sadly not. And it’s still early days for treatments that’s why it’s good to be aware of it, and to try and start getting into good listening habits now.

WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE SOUND LEVELS THEN?

If you can’t have a conversation with someone who is about two metres away without shouting because there’s too much noise going on in the background, the impact of this environment could lead to permanent hearing damage. And if you listen to music (or any other sound) that’s higher than 89 decibels for more than five hours a week, that can cause permanent hearing damage over time. To put that into perspective a normal conversation is about 60 decibels.

I WANT TO CARRY ON READING UP

Head to Action Against HearingLoss’ website for more info about the causes of tinnitus, other than noise exposure. You can also browse through more in-depth insights on the condition, as well as hearing loss in general.